Your nose is a curious organ, situated in the center of your face and responsible for functions such as breathing and your sense of smell. To perform these tasks, the paranasal sinuses are spacious cavities located underneath the surface that also help fight infection, moisten the air you breathe, and even affect the way your voice sounds.
Several issues can lead to infections in the sinuses, commonly referred to as sinusitis, including viruses, bacteria, and other conditions that affect the upper respiratory system. These illnesses can be particularly problematic during the colder fall and winter months, leading to people feeling miserable over the holidays.
To find out more about how to avoid the breathing issues and other problems associated with sinusitis during the holiday season, the residents of Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida, have the team of Drs. Wade Han, Elvira Livigni de Armas, and their dedicated staff at Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center to help.
Sinusitis comes in several forms: short-term illnesses (acute cases), a type called subacute that lasts for up to 12 weeks, recurrent cases that keep coming back, and long-term problems (chronic cases) lasting more than 12 weeks.
Upper respiratory infections are the most common reason for sinusitis, including illnesses such as the common cold, influenza ( the flu), and allergic reactions, which often display symptoms similar to those of the other two. Other causes for sinusitis include nasal polyps (growths that develop in your nasal passages) and tooth infections.
In addition to the changing temperatures of fall and winter, which coincide with prime cold and flu season, several other factors increase the risk of developing one of these illnesses, including holiday travel and other issues unique to this time of year.
If you’re traveling by plane during the season, changes in cabin pressure can both pop your ears and affect your sinuses, increasing the chances of infection. Dry air, a common problem in the colder months, also dries out the nasal lining, increasing the likelihood of irritation and infection.
Some basic steps can help reduce your risk of these problems, including changes you can make at home, various medications to alleviate symptoms, and vaccinations. A nasal rinse helps keep the sinuses moist, handwashing is routinely recommended to lower the chances of getting infected, and avoiding pollutants and cigarette smoke keeps your sinuses free from contaminants.
Allergies can be managed with steroidal nasal sprays and allergy shots, and a combination of prescription or over-the-counter medications can help alleviate issues associated with various infections. If you’re traveling, be sure to get checked for infections if you’re showing signs, and make decisions on traveling based on the severity of the issues involved.
A combination of regular maintenance, treatment of issues as they arise, and practicing healthy habits makes all the difference in avoiding sinusitis and other unpleasant problems during the holidays.
To stay on top of your health needs regarding upper respiratory illnesses, schedule an appointment with Drs. Han, Livigni De Armas, and the Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center team today.
